Identifying Rhetorical Strategies: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos

Rhetoric: The art of using language persuasively and effectively

Ethos = Ethics and
Logos = Logic
Pathos = Emotion
The use of logic, rationality, and critical
reasoning to persuade. Logos appeals to
the mind. Logos seeks to persuade the
reader intellectually.

The use of emotion and affect to persuade.

Pathos appeals to the heart and to ones
emotions. Pathos seeks to persuade the
reader emotionally.

Some Examples of Logos

Some Examples of Pathos

Appeal to the mind/intellect

Draw from philosophy and logic
Facts
Statistics
If, then statements
Definitions of terms
Explanation of ideas
Cause and effect
Details that come from objective
reporting
Logical reasons and explanations

Appeal to the heart/emotion

Draw from spirituality or religious
traditions
Stories or testimonials
Personal anecdotes or stories
Personal connections
Imagery and figurative language that
provokes an emotional response
Visual images or words that inspire you
to empathize or have compassion
towards the idea/topic
Powerful words, phrases, or images that
stir up emotion
Details that come from subjective
reporting

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Credibility

The ongoing establishment of a

writers or speakers authority,
credibility, and believability as he/she
speaks or writes. Ethos appeals to
ethics and character. Ethos seeks to
persuade the reader that the
writer/speaker can be trusted and
believed due to his/her noble
character or ethical ways in which
he/she is presenting ideas.

Some Examples of Ethos

Appeal to the writers/speakers
believability, qualifications,
character; relevant biographical
information
Use of credible sources
(experts, scholars)
Accurate citation of sources:
gives credit where credit is due
Experience and authority:
person knows the issues and
has experience in the field
Appropriate language: uses
language of the discipline
Appropriate tone: knows the
audience and context of
situation
Humility: is not arrogant
Uses tentative yet authoritative
language; avoids sweeping
statements like Everyone is

doing this, This is the only

way, This will always work.
Instead says, The research
suggests that, Some experts
believe, In my experience,
etc.

HW _______________: Identifying Rhetorical Strategies in My

Speech
Logos = Logic

Pathos = Emotion

The use of logic, rationality, and critical

reasoning to persuade. Logos appeals
to the mind. Logos seeks to persuade
the reader intellectually.

The use of emotion and affect to

persuade. Pathos appeals to the
heart and to ones emotions. Pathos
seeks to persuade the reader
emotionally.

List All Quotes Using Logos from

Speech and Specific Sub-Category
within Logos
"50% of
marriages end in
divorce"

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List All Quotes Using Pathos

from Speech and Specific SubCategory within Pathos

Statistic
"My mother died
of cancer when I
was twelve. I
saw her pain
and suffering
which is why I
want to support
cancer
research."

Personal
anecdote or
story

Ethos = Ethics and

Credibility
The ongoing establishment of a
writers or speakers authority,
credibility, and believability as he/she
speaks or writes. Ethos appeals to
ethics and character. Ethos seeks to
persuade the reader that the
writer/speaker can be trusted and
believed due to his/her noble
character or ethical ways in which
he/she is presenting ideas.
List All Quotes Using Ethos from
Speech
and Specific Sub-Category within
Ethos
"Before I was
president, I was
the governor of
New York."

Experience and
authority of
person

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